New Opportunity: The Autonomous Youth Council

One new opportunity offering youth the chance to grow and learn is Youth Forward MKE’s Autonomous Youth Council. Born out of the third Design Your Future proposal, which focuses on authentic and engaged youth leadership, the council aims to recruit, train and place young people on local decision-making bodies.

Applications for the council opened in March, with a summer training session set to begin in July. This 18-month commitment will also include fall and winter trainings, as well as a yearlong placement within a local organization.

Participants will receive hands-on training and practical experience in subjects such as youth adult equity, community organizing, data-driven decision-making, life skills and more. Listening sessions held throughout 2023 allowed the planning team to incorporate youth and community voice into the content and design of the program, ensuring a responsive and youth-focused environment.

“We aim to empower young people with knowledge, skills, connections and resources so that they can actively participate at these decision-making tables that ultimately impact their lives,” shared Sebastián Fuentes, Milwaukee Succeeds’ community engagement manager.